Pattern-induced ripple structures at silicon-oxide/silicon interface by excimer laser irradiation

Abstract

Ripple structures by KrF excimer laser irradiation have been observed on a silicon surface capped with a thin layer of patterned silicon oxide. The ripples are highly dependent on the patterns of the silicon oxide. They are centered and enhanced at the boundaries of the opened windows, forming a radial-wavelike structure. The formation of the ripples is attributed to the combined effect of surface stress, surface scattered wave and boundary effects. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.